Savvy Shopper: How to maximize rebates and minimize effort

First Things

In last week’s Savvy Shopper, a case was made for using rebates as a way to enhance savings. Assuming you have seen the light and are ready to save even more, this article will offer guidelines for managing rebates to minimize effort, keep proper track, and guarantee that you receive your rebates. The reason this subject merits discussion is because companies bank on the fact that the vast majority of customers fail to properly submit rebates. Here are the provisions I have made to avoid becoming one of those unfortunate statistics:

First Things

You will be much more effective with access to a fax machine. In addition, the ability to get to a scanner or copier is essential as well. If you don’t have such capability, you will probably want to get it before actively pursuing rebates.

■ Online Submission — I probably don’t need to encourage entering your claims online but it merits mentioning anyway. When you do this, you avoid postage costs, speed up the process, and reduce the amount of documentation you need to prepare.

■ Stock Items — At all times, be sure and keep stamps and envelopes in ample supply. In addition to being handy in general, keeping these on hand will prevent procrastination. If there is one thing that will derail a rebate, it is putting off your submission. By removing a key barrier to prompt action, you obviously decrease the odds of forgetting about a deal.

■ Act Quickly — Whether it is misplacing documents or simply forgetting, the chance of mishandling paperwork skyrockets as time increases. In other words, get to work immediately when you get home from the store. By moving promptly, you prevent losing the package (UPC codes are often required), the receipt, and/or submission form. Misplacing any of these typically invalidates the rebate.

■ Document — Keep evidence. I promise that rebates sometimes get “lost” by the manufacturer and documentation facilitates resolution. For online submissions, be sure and keep your receipt and record the date and confirmation number (if any). For mail in offers, record the date you sent the deal in and make a copy of the UPC, receipt, and submission form. If you don’t have access to a copier or scanner, you will probably want to get this capability before actively pursuing rebates. If you want to proceed anyway, write down the toll free number (or website) where rebate status can be checked, the address you mailed to, the UPC number, date of purchase, store, and unique receipt identification (most receipts have them).

■ Organize — Keep unpaid claims in one place. If you keep hardcopies, use a manila folder to hold them. Similarly, dedicate a computer directory/folder if you retain scanned copies.

■ Maintain — When you receive a check, remove the associated paperwork from the unpaid folder. If you are interested, you might want to keep a “paid” folder. You might be surprised how fast it can fill up.

■ Track — If you consistently participate in rebate offers, there is little to no need to schedule any kind of review of the unpaid folder. You will tend to notice the rebates that are getting long in the tooth.

■ Follow up — When a manufacturer is too slow to pay, contact them. Most of the time, the situation can be handled in one phone call or email. During any communication, record the date/time, employee you talked to, and gist of the conversation. If you are persistent, even the most difficult company typically pays up.

Although the guidelines may seem involved, I guarantee that following them will save a lot of time, effort, and aggravation. In addition, your rebates will be honored. If you have rebate stories you would love to share, please come to the Savvy Shopper Facebook page (log on to Facebook and enter “Lubbock Savvy Shopper” in the search tool) or write us at SavvyShoppers@lubbockonline.com and let us know your thoughts. Our community keeps growing and we are hearing great things from readers. Don’t miss out!

SEAN FIELDS is one of The A-J’s Savvy Shoppers. Read his columns Wednesdays, and catch Rachel Hardy on Sundays.